The Jets were engaged in talks with the Cowboys and other teams on a potential deal for Pro Bowl S Jamal Adams. But, as the NFL traded deadline came to an end at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Adams remained in New York.
Multiple reports from around the league stated that the price was just too high for the Cowboys to commit. According to SNY's Ralph Vacchiano, GM Joe Douglas was asking for "a first-round pick, plus" for the 24-year-old. Vacchiano also asked if it was two first-rounders the Jets wanted, and the source answered "pretty close."
ESPN's Adam Schefter also said that the Ravens were involved in talks with the Jets, but again, the price was too high.
This lines up with Vacchiano's reporting before the deadline, where one NFL executive said what Douglas was asking for in Adams didn't make sense.
"What they're asking for is crazy," an exec of a team that has spoken with the Jets today told Vacchiano. "But the Cowboys do crazy things sometimes."
Adams is in the third-year of his rookie contract and he's only due to make $735,000 next season. He also has a fifth-year option on his contract.
The Jets were open to dealing anyone but QB Sam Darnold and latest first-rounder DT Quinnen Williams.
In just his second year in the NFL, Adams vaulted to Pro Bowl status after totaling 115 combined tackles, 3.5 sacks, one interception, three forced fumbles and 12 passes defended last year. Not only does he do it on the field, but Adams leadership within the Jets organization made him a first-year captain this season.
Losing Adams would have been a giant loss to their defense that has already seen DT Leonard Williams, another former first-rounder, go to the Giants in a trade on Monday. Adams was taken sixth overall by the Jets back in 2017 after a phenomenal college career at LSU.